Aaron Livesy

Violent, angry and always in trouble, the character quickly established himself as the 'baddest' of bad boys. Describing Aaron, Lucy Pargeter (Chas Dingle) said "Aaron's an absolute pain in the arse for Chas. Danny Miller, who plays him, is brilliant. He gives so much and he's only young".[9]

A high-profile storyline for the character was when he began to question his sexual orientation. As the storyline progressed, Aaron was seen struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, before admitting the truth to his friend and guardian Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt).[10] Miller admits that he was apprehensive when the Emmerdale writers approached him and told him they were making Aaron gay. Miller said "Being a straight actor and having to kiss another lad, I'm not going to lie, I was a bit worried about it, because it's a great test of your acting skills."[6]

Miller's co-star, Dominic Brunt has praised the storyline and told Media and Entertainment website, Digital Spy, that "It's done more realistically than I've seen in a soap." He went on to describe Aaron as being a homophobic homosexual, who doesn't like what he is.[11] Miller has stated that he is enjoying the challenge presented by the storyline saying "It's definitely been a big challenge – I feel a big responsibility to get this right and portray it in a way that makes it real, because there are so many lads who are going through what Aaron is going through".[12] Miller's co-star James Sutton, who previously played a gay character in Hollyoaks, has said that Miller did not need any advice for the role and said, "We've chatted but I've given him no advice – he's a great actor, he doesn't need me to give him any pointers".[13]

Emmerdale producer Gavin Blyth explained the gay plotline to Miller saying, "There are hundreds of thousands of teenage lads out there who are struggling with it as we speak – they're sexually confused". He also added "Aaron keeps it in so much because he's worried about what people think of him".[14] Miller has admitted that he felt "awkward" and "strange" when he filmed an intimate moment with his Emmerdale co-star Adam Thomas, who is his real-life flatmate.[15] He said "You'd never think yourself to be in the position that these two are in. Knowing myself and knowing Adam and his long-term girlfriend, he's the last person you'd expect in that position."[15]

On 18 November 2011, Miller announced he would be leaving Emmerdale in 2012.[16] Of his decision to leave, Miller said "It has been an incredibly difficult decision but after three years playing Aaron and much soul-searching, I am eager to explore other roles. I am so grateful to Emmerdale for the opportunity that I have been given and have loved every moment. I will miss everyone enormously but this might not be the last we see of Aaron."[16] Series producer Stuart Blackburn said he respected Miller's decision and was grateful for the hard work he had put into the role of Aaron.[16] On 20 January 2012, Miller revealed the Emmerdale team were still discussing how to write out Aaron.[17] The actor said "They keep chopping and changing [it] – I think because they want to make it quite impactful and dramatic. I hope it's not leaving in the back of a cab, but there's great storyliners and a great team there."[17]

In February 2012, Susan Hill of the Daily Star reported Aaron would exit the village in "heartbreaking scenes" after turning down the chance to leave with his new man, Ed Roberts (Lloyd Everitt).[18] Hill said the show's bosses were desperate to get the character's departure right and spent months coming up with a dramatic storyline.[18] Details of what happens to stop Aaron having a happy ending were being kept under wraps.[18] The following month, Miller and other members of the cast and crew were spotted filming Aaron's final scenes at Robin Hood Airport.[19] Paul Millar of Digital Spy reported that Aaron's final scenes could see him on the run from the police after being accused of setting fire to the garage.[20] Aaron made his last screen appearance on 5 April 2012.[20]

In honour of his departure, the cast and crew made a parody video for the song "Written in the Stars" by Tinie Tempah.

On 4 April 2014, Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy reported that Miller would be returning to Emmerdale.[21] Kilkelly said that while producers had yet to officially announce the news, a show insider had confirmed Miller's return.[21] Aaron will make his on-screen return later in the year.[21] Aaron returned on 14 August 2014 to help Adam out of a scam that he was involved with Ross Barton and Donna Windsor.

On 21 January 2016, a new story arc for Aaron began when he revealed to his ex-lover Robert Sugden that he was raped by his father, Gordon, when he was a child. Aaron explained to Robert that Gordon repeatedly raped him throughout his childhood from the age of 8 before Gordon kicked him out.[22] Two weeks later on 3 February 2016, Aaron tells his mother Chas what Gordon did to him.[23] After the emotional episode aired, Miller was overwhelmed by the response to his child abuse storyline with fans and co-stars praising his performance on Twitter.[24] On 16 February 2016, it was announced that a new character would become involved in the storyline with Aaron; newcomer Ryan Harred (played by George Sampson).[25] A week later, it's revealed that Robert paid Ryan to lie about being abused by Gordon in order for the police to charge him.[26] On 15 April 2016, the jury found Gordon guilty of raping Aaron.[27]

In May 2016, new Emmerdale producer Iain Macleod reveals Aaron will be heavily involved in the big October storyline along with Robert. Aaron and Robert will be caught in explosive and heartstopping twists. Iain says, "It's a massive, big storyline for Robron. It's funny, romantic and heartstopping in places. People will be on the edge of their seat – or possibly falling off the end of it. I think viewers want us to keep them together and they have earned the right to be together for a period. Obviously, there will be challenges, but I’m really rooting for them, I hope that they can make it through!"[28]

On 16 November 2021, ITV announced that Miller would be competing in their competition series I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, meaning that a temporary exit for Aaron was speculated. However later that day, it was announced that Miller would not be returning to Emmerdale following his participation in the competition.[29] Aaron's exit scenes were broadcast on 6 December 2021, as he leaves the village following the death of his partner Ben Tucker (Simon Lennon).[30]